King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The Gershon clans were to camp behind the tabernacle, toward the west.
Berean Standard Bible:
The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,
American Standard Version:
The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The families{H4940} of the Gershonites{H1649} shall pitch{H2583} behind{H310} the tabernacle{H4908} westward{H3220}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Numbers 1:53
- But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Numbers 2:17
- Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 3:23
**Themes:**
Numbers 3:23 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses concerning the organization and duties of the Levites, the tribe designated to serve in the Tabernacle, the portable worship center for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The key themes in this verse include:
1. **Divine Order and Organization:** The verse reflects God's precise instructions for the encampment and duties of the Gershonites, a clan within the Levites, emphasizing the importance of order and structure in worship.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The placement of the Gershonites behind the Tabernacle signifies their role in maintaining the sanctity of the holy space, as they were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's fabric and coverings.
3. **Service and Responsibility:** The Gershonites were given specific tasks as part of their service to God and the community, indicating the principle of divine calling and the responsibilities that come with it.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Numbers is set during the time of the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, which took about 40 years (c. 1446–1406 BCE). After the construction of the Tabernacle, God gave Moses instructions on how the Israelites should camp around it, ensuring that the Tabernacle was at the center of the community both physically and spiritually. The Gershonites, as part of the Levitical tribe, were allotted specific duties related to the transport and maintenance of the Tabernacle, which was central to Israel's worship until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Gershonites' role was particularly focused on the more exterior elements of the Tabernacle, such as the curtains, coverings, and hangings, contrasting with the roles of the other Levitical clans, the Kohathites and Merarites, who had their own distinct responsibilities. This division of labor among the Levites reflects the broader theme of communal responsibility and the specialized roles within the worship of ancient Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4940
There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁפָּחָה
Transliteration: mishpâchâh
Pronunciation: mish-paw-khaw'
Description: from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people; family, kind(-red). - Strong's Number: H1649
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֵּרְשֻׁנִּי
Transliteration: Gêrᵉshunnîy
Pronunciation: gay-resh-oon-nee'
Description: patronymically from גֵּרְשׁוֹן; a Gereshonite or descendant of Gereshon; Gershonite, sons of Gershon. - Strong's Number: H2583
There are 135 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָנָה
Transliteration: chânâh
Pronunciation: khaw-naw'
Description: a primitive root (compare חָנַן); properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch atent; gen. to encamp (for abode or siege); abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. - Strong's Number: H310
There are 766 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַחַר
Transliteration: ʼachar
Pronunciation: akh-ar'
Description: from אָחַר; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses); after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. - Strong's Number: H4908
There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁכָּן
Transliteration: mishkân
Pronunciation: mish-kawn'
Description: from שָׁכַן; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls); dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. - Strong's Number: H3220
There are 339 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָם
Transliteration: yâm
Pronunciation: yawm
Description: from an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the south; sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward).